Weather in Santorini

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Weather in Santorini - 2023 Guide

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Planning for your trip to Santorini? You will be delighted with the mild and dependable weather of this iconic Greek island. As one of Europe’s warmest climates, it has four distinct seasons – spring, summer, autumn, and winter- that are sure to make or break any holiday experience. Knowing what the temperature will be like at your destination can save you from unnecessary surprises during your vacation! 

From December to February, mild weather with little rain and no snow graces us. March through May offers pleasant sunny days with sporadic showers or wind gusts. June until August brings scorching temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) mixed with dry air and tireless days of sunshine. And finally, September till November feels like an extended summer season from the western hemisphere! You can check weather in Santorini here!

Crowded in summer

If you’re wondering how crowded the island will be, here’s a guide for reference. During January and February—the low season—you’ll find that only around 10% of its usual crowd is there; although some restaurants, hotels, and other establishments may be closed during this time, beaches are still beautiful to enjoy without an abundance of people. In short: don’t let the lack of people fool you into thinking the island is “dead”; it just isn’t as lively at these times! 

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March is a low season, with around 20% of the island is crowded. Although there are more tourists visiting at this time than during other months, many restaurants and hotels will be closed or just reopening for business. Beaches may still be relatively empty, but it won’t appear like a ghost town either. By April, that number jumps to 40% as high season begins to approach and Greek Easter brings in additional visitors on top of those planning their summer vacations – practically all businesses open up by then.

 May is the perfect time to visit this idyllic island; it’s bustling without feeling overcrowded. The beaches are brimming with activity, and there’s no shortage of businesses offering their services. After all, who can resist weather that feels like a tropical paradise?

June is a perfect time to visit; the season boasts 90% capacity – meaning it’s bustling yet not overly busy. You’ll be able to enjoy all of your favorite activities in an exciting and vibrant environment! Spend a scorching summer vacation in July on the island! As it’s peak season, anticipate crowds and have your bikini/swim trunks ready for some beach or pool time. It may be busier than August, but you’ll still have an incredible experience with hot weather all around.

 August is highly overcrowded, as it’s the busiest month for Santorini – if you can avoid this period since everything takes more time and effort. Come to September and experience the hustle of High season! The crowds may feel like an extension of August, but it will start to thin out by the end. Enjoy summery weather while you can – check below for more information on what this month has in store. 

October is a bustling time of year, with 70% occupancy rates and cooler weather that still permits swimming in the sea or pool. For many businesses, this is their last month open before winter arrives. November sees 30% occupancy due to the chillier climate; most hotels and restaurants are closed for the season. December brings a light crowd of just 10% during the heart of the Low season. Temperatures are colder, making swimming nearly impossible; however, an alluring landscape with wild beauty can still be admired in spite of some closed businesses.

How’s the weather in Santorini?

Whether you’re planning a vacation to Santorini in the summer or winter, it’s essential to be aware of its climate and weather patterns. So let’s dive right into this paradise island that houses some of Greece’s most stunning views! With Mediterranean temperatures year-round and prolonged sunny days for almost half the year, Santorini is an ideal destination for beach vacations all throughout the seasons!

Spring

If you’re yearning to explore Santorini Island and gaze upon its extraordinary beauty, now is the optimal time! With temperatures gradually getting warmer beginning in April but not reaching unbearable heat levels, sightseeing across the island is sure to be a pleasant experience. So don’t wait any longer – start your journey today!

Come March in Santorini, and you’ll experience a slight change from the 3 winter months prior. Although it may be cold, more sun is present along with less rain – making for an ideal time for sightseeing and hiking if one is properly prepared to endure occasional showers or chilly evenings. April brings warmer weather that’s perfect for both activities, while May graces visitors with consistently sunny days, high temperatures, and low chances of precipitation – undeniably one of the best times of the year to visit this amazing destination!

Summer

If you’re dreaming of a beach holiday, the best season to visit is summer! You can expect glorious sunshine and heat with some soothing winds, creating an ideal atmosphere for swimming and water sports activities. Plus, all sorts of outdoor tours, such as catamaran or sailing trips, become available during this time, too – perfect for discovering the amazing attractions that make any island unique! So what are you waiting for? Get ready to bask in those beautiful seaside vibes.

June is the best time to visit Santorini, with its balmy weather and low prices for hotels and flights. Come July; however, travelers begin arriving in droves – so book your hotel early if you want to avoid disappointment! August brings intense heat along with gusty winds that are perfect for water sports. Despite it being a popular month amongst tourists (especially families or couples), there are still plenty of opportunities to snag an amazing travel deal.

Autumn

As September begins, the summer warmth still lingers in the air, and beautiful sunlit days are plentiful. Yet slowly, cool nights start to arrive with stunning colorful skies that accompany them. This serene atmosphere makes it perfect for a peaceful swim or any other outdoor activity on this magnificent island – all while being far less crowded than usual! So don’t wait too long before experiencing such an amazing place firsthand during September’s mild weather.

As the summer months come to a close, September in Santorini brings with it beautiful weather – hot and sunny but slightly cooler than June. It is at this time that the water warms up after heating through the warmer days of summer. October seems much like May weather – still warm but with signs of winter’s chill beginning to show its face as we approach November. In November, what begins as cloudy skies culminates into cool winter days becoming more frequent until December arrives, fully embracing frosty mornings and evenings alike.

Winter

If you plan to explore Santorini in December, prepare for the chilly and wet weather with occasional strong winds. Despite this, it is an ideal time to experience a more genuine side of the island – most tourist hotspots are closed, leaving only friendly small taverns and quaint shops open for exploration. Additionally, take advantage of clear days to admire breathtaking views or embark on leisurely hikes!

weather in santorini
Cloudy Santorini

From January to February, the chill of Santorini is unmistakable. Although the island remains void of tourists in both months, January usually experiences more rain and colder temperatures than February. Some locals even say that February is typically the coldest month in this picturesque location!

Must-have items for Santorini

When planning a trip to Santorini, it’s important to consider the season and month. During winter (December-February), you’ll want jackets, long sleeves, sweaters, and jumpers; however, shorts or summer dresses are not recommended due to the windy and humid temperatures that can still be quite cold. It is worth noting that January & February tend to be the chilliest months in both Greece and Santorini, with potentially erratic weather conditions – but no extremes!

Winter in Santorini is like the fall/autumn season of prominent European cities such as Paris and London; you never know what to expect, with temperatures ranging from 3°C with drizzle all the way up to 20°C and sunshine. It’s true that there can be a few days where it snows on the island – however, for those accustomed to extreme snowfall, this may seem more like a joke!

In May, say goodbye to winter wear and pack your swimsuits! Santorini’s March climate can be unpredictable, yet nothing that should give you cause for concern. You will likely have days of 15-20 degrees Celsius accompanied by sunrays – a welcomed respite from the cold! Springtime in April normally brings with it balmy temperatures around 25°C along with bright blue skies; however, if you’re looking to take a dip in the sea, then look no further than May. Although still slightly chilly from its hibernation during the Winter months, this is definitely the month for swimming adventures in Greece’s renowned Santorini.

If you are visiting the sunny island of Santorini in May, it’s best to pack your swimsuits and summer clothing, such as bikinis, monokinis, shorts, t-shirts, and dresses. In contrast, if April is your month of choice for a getaway, then be sure to bring jackets and other warm clothing items. It feels like summertime in major cities across Europe during May in Santorini!

Summertime is the perfect season for soaking in the sun and enjoying breathtaking views. From bikinis to monokinis, swimsuits to speedos, and flip-flops to summer dresses, it’s time to have some fun! The weather in Santorini is just right- not too hot (like a desert) but still warm enough that you can wear shorts and skirts year-round. Dare we say it? It might be the best summer ever with temperatures like these!

As we move into the Fall/Autumn months of September, October, and November, days may still feel like summer. However, you should bring a light jacket for those chilly nights. During this time period, most activities will take place on beaches or swimming pools where temperatures are usually warmer than average! By the time October arrives, it is likely to be your last chance to enjoy some fun in the sun without feeling too cold. So make sure you get outside as much as possible while these autumnal conditions permit! 

As the temperature begins to drop in November, swimming may become more difficult to enjoy. You should plan on wearing long sleeves for most days of that month; however, you can also anticipate some spectacularly sunny and warm days with temperatures reaching 20 degrees Celsius! What a treat!

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Bottom line

If you want to experience Santorini at its finest, regardless of the climate, it’s best for you to decide your ideal time based on what appeals most. For those looking forward to a beach and swimming pool getaway, visiting during peak season is advised; however, if exploring the magnificent landscapes with fewer tourists in sight sounds more appealing- then plan a trip during low season! Either way – there’s something special about every voyage that can be explored in this one-of-a-kind destination: Santorini! 

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

Venture to Santorini during the most optimal months of late March through early June or from early September until late October for an unforgettable experience. During these periods, you’ll be able to bask in warm and sunny island weather as you explore its many treasures like scuba diving, mountain hikes, and ocean swims.

For hot and sunny summer days, a visit to Santorini between June and September is ideal. August boasts the balmiest weather, with an average daily maximum of 30°C and an average low of 24°C. On the opposite end, January offers cooler temperatures; its daily max averages 14°C while its lowest temperature can be up to 9°C.

The year can be divided into two distinct seasons: the warm, arid time from April to October, with high temperatures during July and August, and a colder, wet season from November until late March. January and February are usually the coldest and windiest months of all.

If your itinerary includes traveling during the high season (late June to early September), prepare for warmth ranging from hot to unbearably sweltering. Choose clothing made of light and comfortable fabrics such as linen, lightweight shirts, and shorts – perfect for daytime explorations; or wear a breezy maxi dress or caftan in the evenings when dining out.

January brings winter to Greece, and Santorini is especially frigid. You may experience temperatures as low as 4°C/39.2°F on the chilliest nights! Though most hotels and restaurants are closed during this chilly season, romance still fills the air with its tranquil energy.